In good shape: Stanley Johnson, 77, still leads an active life which keeps him healthy
CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?
Yes, I can. My office is at the top of the house, and I use the intercom to tell my wife downstairs that I’ve arrived safely. I’m good at climbing generally. I’ve climbed Mt Kilimanjaro twice in the past seven years.
GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?
Definitely. But I’m not keen on parsnips or lettuce.
EVER DIETED?
No, never — and yes, I’m overweight. Ideally I’d like to get back to 13st 2lb — what I weighed when I was prop forward at school. I’m nearer 14st.
ANY VICES?
There’s that moment after lunch when you really want a bit of chocolate. Fight the urge. It passes.
WORST ILLNESS?
A gall bladder problem about eight years ago. I had a stomach ache that grew more acute by the moment. I tried to stick it out, but by 7 pm my wife, Jenny, called a doctor who took blood and urine samples. About 11 pm, the doctor telephoned to say we should call an ambulance. I was diagnosed with gallstones and had my gall bladder removed soon after. The NHS did a superb job.
WOULD YOU HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY?
My father served as a pilot in the RAF during the war. He was badly burned when his Wellington bomber crashed and was wonderfully helped by plastic surgeons, so I would have it for non-cosmetic reasons.
COPE WELL WITH PAIN?
The worst pain I have experienced was waiting for the ambulance during the gall bladder episode. Swearing helped, but not enough.
On-the-go: A teetotal life and busy schedule has helped to preserve Mr Johnson’s well-being
IS SEX IMPORTANT?
T. S. Eliot wrote: ‘Birth, and copulation and death. That’s all the facts, when you come to brass tacks.’
EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?
I don’t have any reason to be. I’ll admit that some people have lousy lives and every excuse to feel miserable. But I’m not one of them.
HANGOVER CURE?
Never been drunk. One of my life’s unfulfilled ambitions.
ANY FAMILY AILMENTS?
My children are all too clever. It’s hard to keep up.
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?
Brexit. I only hope that it comes out all right in the wash.
ANY PHOBIAS?
I’d say my biggest phobia is the human race: where are the asteroids when we need them?
LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?
If threescore years and ten is the allotted span, I’m already in injury time. If I’ve popped my clogs before this appears, so be it.
KOMPROMAT, by Stanley Johnson, is published by Oneworld Publications at £14.99